BANJUL, (PNA/Xinhua) — The ban on the import of frozen chicken legs into Gambia has taken effect, health officials confirmed Sunday.
The decision was made to move with the country’s food self-sufficiency program and to improve people’s health, the officials said.
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh announced the ban during a dialogue with farmers in June. He also said that a similar ban on rice import would take effect in 2016 “in order to strengthen local food industries, as well as to promote food self-sufficiency and good health.”
Jammeh attributed health problems in Gambia to the type and quality of food that people eat. The Gambian leader reiterated his call for Gambians to grow what they eat and eat what they grow.
Poultry farmers in Gambia have started chicken farming, but many are in doubt if production can meet domestic demand.
Gambia has also banned the import of flour for bread and other use since July and now produces its own.